Risk / Health Info for Western Sahara

What inoculations do I need for Western Sahara?

What vaccines do you need for Western Sahara? Our advisors can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs.

Hepatitis A is a GI infection that travellers can pick up in Western Sahara. You can get a shot for hep A and also for typhoid, another nasty GI condition.

Ensure your tetanus booster is up-to-date before you head to Western Sahara – it is included in Revaxis, a shot for tetanus, diphtheria and polio.

Cases of rabies occur in Western Sahara and since it may be hard to access any healthcare at all, you should get a shot against rabies. You need to get medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Western Sahara, even if you have been vaccinated.

Are you at risk from hepatitis B? Some travellers are at increased risk of exposure to the hep B virus. This group includes frequent and long-stay travellers, as well as healthcare workers.

What are the hospital facilities like in Western Sahara?

There are medical facilities in the cities, but advanced treatments and scans are not available: you will have to go to Morocco or the Canary Islands to access these. Good travel insurance is a must when you go to Western Sahara.

The emergency number in Western Sahara is 150.

Protect your health in Western Sahara

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Western Sahara so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. And if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, make use of it.

Avoid driving off-road in Western Sahara as there are unexploded mines in some places.

It is very hard to get hold of sunscreen in Western Sahara so you should bring a supply for your entire trip.

Dengue fever in Western Sahara

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Western Sahara. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Western Sahara

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Western Sahara at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Western Sahara

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Western Sahara. This condition is also known as bilharzia.